Day 12/13 - FIRE!! - The Way Is Shut!

NONE SHALL PASS!

Well, the Lava Mtn fire active area is now over the main route and those roads are among the list of those closed. The super steep alternative route is now too close to the active fire area and is also closed.

I was looking forward to exploring the Union pass area, but it is not to be on this trip. Part of me is glad the route is closed as I would like to experience that area in happier condition. On the plus side I have an excuse to come back to the Teton area next year😁

The evolving plan is to have Glenda stay a couple more days and portage me bike and meself to Pinedale before heading back to Colorado Springs. But before we go, I will get one more day of riding, toward the fire from this side. On the plus side Glenda, Karen and Dennis get an extra hiking day in the Teton area, smokey though it is.

GDT Day 13 - Colter Bay to Togwotee pass

Monday Aug 1, 2016

Start - 6750'
High pt - 9732'
Lo pt - 6600'

End Elv - 8700'
Climbing   approx 3500'

Miles - 50.7

Total time 7:05
Ride time 5:17
Day with BOB - 12
Divide crossing - let's call it a yes, even though I rode down the same side

Total miles to date - 555

A few of new milestones the last couple of days; As of the previous days riding, this is the longest milage bike trip I've done, beating a 460ish mile BTC tour Mike Beyers talked me into 4 or 5 years ago.
New high point for this trip at the top of Togwotee Pass. Nearly 2000' higher than previous high points. This may well be the most elevation gain with the BOB yet too.

It was smokey today, worst yet of my 4 days in the Jackson valley. Could not see the Tetons even when riding in the NP. After riding  13ish miles in the park, I exited and turned up the  Buffalo valley. It was quite a nice ride up that beautiful valley upto Turpin Meadows.

The climbing begins in earnest after Turpin Meadows on very bike freindly forest roads. After 8 miles of mellow climbing on forest roads, one pops out on Hwy26/287 @ the Togwotee Lodge (good WiFi). Then up the Hwy to Togwotee Pass; mostly rolling up hill, with the last two miles being steady and steeper. Turned around due to fire induced road closures on route, and headed back to the Lodge where Glenda was waiting for me. The Red Fox Den Saloon has a decent selection of local craft beers to enjoy while we relaxed and got caught up digitally.